MINUTES

The Minutes of the last meeting were approved. There were no matters arising.

CHAIR'S REMARKS

The date for the delivery of the North Laine Book had been set as 1st September, in time for the Launch on 15th September. The book had now gone to the printer.

Notice had been received that grants from the Big Lottery Fund were now available to fund local events to “celebrate what makes the local community special”. The Fund was now open for applications – more information could be found at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/celebrateengland.

The Chair had had the opportunity at the LATs Chairs' meeting to talk further with the organiser of Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Woodingdean and had invited him to come and talk to the NLCA. Not all aspects of Neighbourhood Watch might be appropriate in the North Laine area, but it would be helpful to hear about ways we can enhance local security.

TREASURER'S REPORT

There had been little change in the financial situation since last month, with about £4,000 in the bank. £1,400 of this is now due to go to pay the printers of the Runner. We were continuing to look at ways to promote the Friends' scheme, including taking part in the Charity and Community Day on Saturday in the Pavilion Gardens.

The next two issue of the Runner were covered financially, but further revenue would be needed to ensure continued production.

SOCIAL SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT

The NLCA was taking part in the Pavilion Gardens Café Charity and Community Day on Saturday, with a tombola stall to stimulate interest in the Friends' Scheme. Kathy Spencer expressed her thanks for the large number of tombola prizes that had been donated by members.

Kathy gave advance notice of the NLCA Anniversary picnic to be held in Pelham Square on 11th September in the afternoon. People would be asked to bring refreshments and it was hoped there would be some music and activities for children.

LOCAL ACTION TEAM (LAT) ISSUES

The LAT Chairs' meeting had met under the chairmanship of one of its own members (John Cook, chair of Patcham LAT) rather than that of an official from Brighton and Hove City Council. This it was hoped would lead to fuller and franker discussions of matters of concern.

Lizzie Deane drew attention to the issue of Party Houses, particularly one in Pelham Square concerning which she was actively engaged in liaising with Council bodies to arrive at a satisfactory solution. Her hand would be strengthened if the NLCA were involved. A large part of the problem is that party houses are sui generis as far as legislation is concerned and the Council does not really have the apparatus to deal with problems such as noise. Roy Skam pointed out that party houses are generally operated by agents, and if they can be approached they are likely to be responsive to concerns. It was agreed to refer the matter to the Environmental Sub-Committee.

PLANNING

Barry Leigh reported that a substantial application was in for the building of affordable housing as infill in Kensington Street. We had no objection.

Despite the last application for Diplock's Yard being rejected, another application is being submitted.

LICENSING

There was an off-sales application in from Yum Yum Oriental Market which referred to the sale of food items and cooking ingredients containing alcohol rather than beverages. The Police were imposing restrictive conditions and we will follow the Police line.

Côte in Church Street was in consultation regarding a licence for off-sales in respect of take-away meals. This was probably not going to be a problem.

Yellow Book in York Place has applied for an extended licence until 2 am. The Police are not happy about this and we will support them if they object.

The Licensing Strategy Group has informed us that a House of Lords Committee has called for written evidence on licensing matters by 2nd September. There is a Licensing Strategy Group meeting next week and Roy will find out more; he has an email address if anyone is interested in making a submission.

OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Graffiti on Post Office Building: Chris Hayes had been in contact with the Post Office building staff and Mitch Egan has also been in contact. It appears that authority for dealing with the problem lies higher up and there does not appear to be much sense of urgency to do anything about cleaning the walls. We will continue to support Chris Hayes in his campaign.

Peter Crowhurst drew attention to the mess made by fly-posting on poles (e.g. sign-posts, road signs), which were the responsibility of the council, and asked if the NLCA could contact the relevant department to ask them to do something about this. Referred to Environment Sub-committee.

Attention was also drawn to the inconsiderate way bicycles were chained up to lamp-posts and other poles, often insufficiently tightly to prevent them from slipping and obstructing the pavement to the inconvenience of pedestrians. It was recognised that there is little that can be done about the thoughtless and inconsiderate actions of individuals.

NORTH LAINE RUNNER

The next edition was expected to come out in early August. Kim Curran reported that a meeting had been held of those particularly interested in the future of the Runner after Jackie Fuller gives up the editorship. The whole process was gone through, from collecting copy to the distribution via street reps, so that the new editorial committee could see what lay ahead. It was noted that the Runner was very well considered both inside and outside North Laine and it was hoped to continue and build on the high standards that had been set by the present Editor. Kim paid tribute to the extraordinary work that Jackie had put into the Runner for so long, to warm applause from all present.

RESIDENTS' CONCERNS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Peter Crowhurst asked about preparations for the launch of the North Laine Book in September. The list of guests to be invited was being compiled by the Secretary, to whom names should be given before the invitations are sent out in mid to late August.

TALK – KATE MAGIC on “RAW ENERGY”

Ms Magic had been vegetarian and then vegan for some time before turning to a raw food diet in 1992, and had brought up her two boys on a raw food diet. Her work as a raw food teacher is to help people find how to adopt a raw food diet in a way that maximises health benefits.

A. Alkalinisation: Acidity in the body leads to stress whereas alkalinity is calming. Unfortunately, the usual coping strategy to deal with stress is to turn to acidic things – alcohol, tobacco etc. - thus creating a vicious circle. An alkalising diet has the opposite effect, creating a virtuous circle that reinforces calm. Greens are highly alkaline and calm can also be fostered through meditation, yoga etc. Green powders (micro algae) such as wheat grass and barley grass are full of dense alkalising nutrients.

B. Oxygenation: this is of great importance and can be increased by such things as exercise and laughter. It is also possible to use a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to increase oxygenation.

C. Hydration: Most people spend their time seriously dehydrated. This is the number one thing to be put right as cells cannot communicate without water. A properly hydrated cell could be likened to a fresh grape compared to a raisin. Two litres of water per day is the minimum needed – about 250 ml per waking hour. Most of us are unaware of thirst and feel comfortable with insufficient liquid intake. Plain water is flushing, so it is advisable to use other liquids e.g. coconut water or fruit/seed milk, as these are more hydrating. Herbal teas are also good, though best made with dried herbs rather than using commercial products.

D. Healthy fats: Fats are the building blocks of cells. There are three types of fats and each is needed for healthy cell building: saturated fats (e.g. coconut), mono-unsaturated fats (e.g. avocado, dates), poly-unsaturated fats (e.g. nuts, seeds).

Carbohydrates need to be kept to a minimum as they lead to high blood sugars. The body works best on a low-carbohydrate diet.

Fermentation: The science of neurogastroenterology demonstrates the connection between the gut and the brain. Serotonin feed-back enhances mood. Fermentation encourages the cultivation of healthy bacteria which lead to well being. A kefir grains culture eats sugar and creates anaerobic bacteria – a shot glass morning and evening is sufficient. Sauerkraut and kimchi are fermented foods that are good.

The gut is the seat of health. A well-balanced gut leads to a well-balanced mind.

Asked about a raw food diet in winter, Ms Magic said that food was still raw when heated to 42º so it was possible to produce warm food on cold days. There was also a range of thermogenic foods such as ginger to create feelings of warmth, as well as the use of saunas, infra-red treatment etc.

The Chair thanked Ms Magic for an interesting and informative talk, and the meeting ended at 9.35 pm.